Prepare for your Headshots
I share tips on how to look your best and prepare for your headshots - keep reading to learn more!
What to wear
Look your best in headshots - it’s easy; keep it simple. Your face is the star of the photo - not the clothes you wear. However, it doesn’t hurt to show off your personality by choosing to wear a colorful/pattern tie by Dazi or a trendy blazer by www.theshamelesscollection.com
What to wear checklist for your headshots
Try on outfits + jewelry before to see how it fits with and without a blazer.
Iron, steam, and lint roll before your session, protect your clothes in a plastic bag and hang to prevent creases.
Practice and prepare your tie, so it’s easy to tighten and wear come photoshoot day
Get your clothes fitted to your body shape and allow about two weeks for alterations/dry clean.
Unless you booked a branding session, you don't need to focus on what your bottom half is wearing.
Wear solid colors and avoid large patterns. Typically blue tones and neutral shades look best in headshots.
I highly suggest to avoid low-cut tops and sheer fabrics and thin shoulder strap tops that may show peeking bra straps
Other than dress shirts, you can consider a sweater or dress, styled with or without a blazer too.
If you eat before the shoot or sweat easily, it’s best to plan to put on your outfit when you arrive to avoid any wardrobe mishaps on the way over to the photo shoot.
Think about those who will see you for the first time over the internet and their perception of you. I believe the list of what to wear tips above will help you look your best in your headshots.
Hair and Makeup
Wait 1-2 weeks after your haircut & color treatment to do a session.
It makes sense to color, cut or trim your hair before your session, right? This would be no problem if we lived in a perfect world where everything came out right every time. Unfortunately, we don't. Nothing is worse than taking a picture while feeling insecure about a hairstyle you are unhappy with. To avoid this, get your hair done 1-2 weeks before your session.
Serum, gel, hairspray, and a comb to deal with your hair flyaways/frizzy pieces
Gentlemen, please remember to groom your facial hair a couple days before. Not to worry if you have shaving cuts as I can remove those blemishes in post production
Please remember to stick with a simple hairstyle like a slick back bun, loose waves, or straight hair. Perhaps a great idea to schedule a blowout a few hours before the session.
If you hire services on the day of your photoshoot such as hair and makeup - please allow an extra hour for buffer in case of travel and appointment hiccups or if you need a re-do in order for you to feel confident and arrive on time to your session.
Did you know that a professional makeup artist can come to your home and prepare you for your professional headshot? I recommend the makeup artists below to make you feel and look your best. Do consider a more natural look rather than a pageant-glam type look. A little boost to your lashes, like individual lash extensions, eyeliner, shaped eyebrows, and great contour, can go a long way in making your appearance look awake and beautiful.
Hudson Valley NY Hair & Makeup Artist: Dominique Rochelle
Hudson Valley NY Makeup Artist: Kassidy Brianna
NYC and NJ Makeup Artist: Alexis Jade
NYC and NJ Makeup Artist: Richa Soni
NJ Makeup Artist: Sam Gen
NJ Makeup Artist: Melanie
NYC Hair Salon: Davide Hair Studio
I cannot stress how much help professional hair and makeup can be to your branding session. Makeup artists are trained for professional photography and understand how light hits the skin. In addition, professional airbrush makeup helps retain the skin's texture versus a regular foundation or press powder makeup. You can request an airbrush with your artist if you want a more natural look.
If you are interested in hair and makeup services, please let me know at least 72 hours in advance. The cost for me to book your makeup services begin at $500, and adding on a hair artist is an additional $250 +.
You may also book your hair and makeup service before your session.
Posing tips
Posture is key to making you look confident in your photos. This means taking a deep breath, telling yourself that you look admirable, rolling your shoulders back, and keeping the core strong!
Place your hands in your back or front pockets, above your hip (just below the smallest part of your waist), or pretend you're buttoning your jacket.
Standing at a 45-degree angle to the camera will help slim the body's features.
One way to prevent the whites of your eyes from showing too much is by directing your eye gaze in the same direction as your nose. This means don't look out the corner of your eye in your photos. The best images are when your eyes have even whites on both sides.
Whenever you hear the camera snap a photo, don't hesitate to move an inch so I can get different angles of your beautiful face! Remember, we want variety.
Sticking your tongue on the roof of your mouth and behind the teeth will help the jawline and the chin area seem sharper.
Think of a million bucks depositing into your bank account or your pet greeting you with love when you get home from a long day - does that make you smile? Good. Remember and channel that feeling during your photo session!
Backdrops
You can request the standard option of backdrops without a fee:
Liberty State Park located at 1 Audrey Zapp Dr in Jersey City - free parking - and a great location for a NYC skyline or foliage in your background.
White wall this is a great option - little to no setup time required and all we need is a 10 x 10 ft space to utilize for your headshots. We can do this ANYWHERE that has a white painted wall. Even in your own home! No worries if you dont have a white wall, I can bring my white pull up backdrop just in case you need a white color background at no extra charge!
Pop up backdrops now I can bring these to your home, office or come to my studio for a headshot session! Free with any headshot session you book. Please place a request for a backdrop within 24 hours of the session
Getting here
Please remember text me, Miranda, your ETA. So that I am prepared and waiting for your arrival. There are two ways I recommend you get to your Jersey City headshot photoshoot session at
234 Suydam Ave, Jersey City, NJ 07304:
Light rail: 5-7 minute walk from Liberty State Park light rail stop
Drive: Enter in GPS [Google Map or Waze] The Baker Building: 234 Suydam Ave, Jersey City, NJ 07304 . Free street parking. Please pay attention to signs! You can also park in the Liberty State Park & Ride lot for $3.45/day
Preparing for headshot photos can be nerve-racking, especially for people who do not model as a career. I get it; you want to look your best, feel confident, get guidance on how to pose, and show the online world how approachable you are!
It's time to put a beautiful face to your name.
I think you're ready for your headshots now - if not, and still have questions? I am here for you. Please don't hesitate to contact me with questions and concerns.
